Adam-James is a Coastal-Folk singer/songwriter from the Sunshine Coast. He creates fast folky sounds which blend with soft rock elements that shine in his live performances. 



After appearing on the 2024 season of Australian Idol, and with a second national tour under his belt, Adam’s captivating live performance will have you dreaming of road trips and days by the ocean with someone you love.

Adam has been playing on Saltwater Eco Tours for over two years and as our featured musician for December, we sat down with him to discover his music journey and how he impacts people through his beautiful lyrics. Here's what he said...

Adam, Tell us about your music journey. How did your love of music start, what drew you to music?
I started playing guitar at university in 2018 when I was stuck in a flood in Townsville. I had nothing to do but teach myself to play an old decorative guitar that was hanging on the wall in an Airbnb. Little did I know that learning the guitar would see me drop out of my marine science and zoology degree and travel around Australia twice playing shows in almost every state. 

Tell us about your sound, how would you describe your music?
I make Indie folk/Coastal folk music which is heavily inspired by my travels around Australia, as well as falling in and out of love in with the complexities of navigating relationships, not only with other people but with myself too. Most of my songs are upbeat and super happy which always gets people dancing and I also play the harmonica so it's great fun.

When you create music, what impact do you hope to have? 

My music is about chapters of my life and I wear my heart on my sleeve in my songwriting, so if people can resonate with that I think that’s awesome to be honest. Some of my new songs touch on men's mental health and not being afraid to speak your feelings so I think that will impact a lot of people in a positive way. Ultimately, I’m an entertainer and I love putting on live shows, so I’d love to see people coming to my shows singing songs and dancing the night away. That to me is the most fun!

What do you enjoy about playing a gig on the Sunshine Coast?

I’ve played gigs and shows all over Australia and the Sunshine Coast always feels like home wherever the venue. Whether I’m playing in the local pub, on a boat or putting on a headline show in a larger venue, the Sunny Coast community is always warm & welcoming which is so valued as a musician. I think the fact that we live by the ocean here, people really resonate with my music in particular, and I find my following grows with every gig I play. I love to see people who have seen me at cover gigs turning up and watching me play shows - I think it’s awesome that people get behind local artists in that way.

What music or musicians influence you?

Originally I was influenced by a lot of Indie rock bands such a Sticky Fingers, Bootleg Rascal and The Skeggs, however as I have developed my artistry and started to carve my own path,more independent artist like The Dreggs,  Jack Botts and Ziggy Alberts have really inspired my sound and my songwriting methods. Recently The Dreggs have been a huge influence and I have been lucky enough to record my new EP (releasing in January) with Zane Harris, their lead guitarist.

What do you love about being a musician?

Music has allowed me to travel around Australia and some parts of Europe. The freedom that this job gives me is just insane. I love that I have found a purpose from music and that I can literally form an entirely new community around the songs I write and the shows I put on. I have met some of the best people the world has to offer through music and I don’t see myself stopping any time soon.

What does culture mean to you?

I love this word. There are so many different cultures within Australia itself that have been formed over 1000's of years which is so amazing. I see music as a way for me to create my own culture around the following that I have and continue to grow. I’d like to think that I create a culture of 'come as you are' in the sense that I hope everybody knows that no matter what you look like or however you want to identify, you’re always welcome at an Adam-James show and that inclusive culture is one that I want to continue to grow and spread as far and wide as I can.

Fast Five: What’s your favourite...

Instrument: Saxophone (do not ask my to play one)

Drink: Affogato 

Food: San Choi Bao (the way my girlfriend makes it)

Song: Flight 101 - Sticky Fingers 

Place: Old Man of Coniston, UK 

Love live music? Join us for a sunset cruise where local and touring artists like Adam-James make for an unforgettable sunset session on the Sunshine Coast.